14-C
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
ATTENTION: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
FROM: Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the August 11, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: August 25, 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the August 11, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the August 11, 2025, Regular Meeting… ................... ………………………… 2
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MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION / 7:00 P.M. OPEN SESSION
5:30 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dunton called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower.
2 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Ray Dunton
Mayor Pro Tem Sonny R. Santa Ines
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot announced the titles of the Closed Session items; 2) Council Member Koops announced that he would recuse himself from Item 3-A as he has property interests within 500 feet of the subject property ; 3) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Item 3 - B as she has property interests within 500 feet of the subject property; and 4) there being no one from the public in attendance, without objection, Mayor Dunton recessed the Meeting at 5:35 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(1). Number of Cases: One.
1. City of Bellflower v. 20434 South Santa Fe Ave., LLC (filed April 2, 2024) LASC Case No. 24NWCV01017.
B CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8)
Property: 9849 Flower St.
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: David Pai Trust
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
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Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 3
August 11, 2025 Page 2 of 14
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – Continued
C CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8)
Property: 15751 Blaine Ave.
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: County of Los Angeles
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
D CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1))
Jason P. Clarke, Case No. 10472694
California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board
E CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Negotiators: City Manager, City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney N. Richard Shreiba
Employee Organization: All represented employee bargaining units.
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Dunton reconvened the Meeting at 7:05 p.m. with all members present and announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
7:00 P.M. – OPEN SESSION
5 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dunton called the Open Session of the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
6 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Ray Dunton
Mayor Pro Tem Sonny R. Santa Ines
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6
August 11, 2025 Page 3 of 14
6 ROLL CALL – Continued
Staff Participants:
Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services James Atkins, Senior Planner
P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks and Recreation
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Dakota Wallace, Management Analyst I
7 INVOCATION
Council Member Wendi Morse offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Planning and Building Services Elizabeth Oba led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Dunton provided details relative to the State of City presentation to be held on October 2, 2025, at the Mayne Events Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines provided details relative to an upcoming community survey conducted by the City to gather input for the development of the Urban Forest Master Plan.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Bellflower Symphony Association’s summer concert to be held at Caruthers Park on August 23, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce’s “Monthly Morning Mingle” to be held on August 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the Parks and Recreation Department’s Leadership Experience and Development (“LEAD”) Program with applications for the eight-week fall session accepted through September 22, 2025.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10
August 11, 2025 Page 4 of 14
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Eden Escobedo, President of Miss Bellflower Pageant, 1) explained that the 2025 Miss Bellflower Pageant was recently held and was a great success; 2) thanked the dignitaries from the surrounding cities for their involvement and attendance; 3) congratulated and thanked the 202 4 Miss Bellflower Court for serving their community; and 4) introduced the 2025 Miss, Miss Teen, and Miss Junior Bellflower Court.
Sofia Galdamez, 2025 Miss Junior Bellflower Queen, introduced herself to the City Council.
Valeria Carbajal, 2025 Miss Teen Bellflower Queen, introduced herself to the City Council.
Marilyn Lila-Cruz, 2025 Miss Teen Princess, introduced herself to the City Council.
Jocelyn Ruiz, 2025 Miss Teen Princess, introduced herself to the City Council.
Samantha Ambriz, 2025 Miss Teen Princess, introduced herself to the City Council.
Athenna Gardea, 2025 Miss Bellflower Queen, introduced herself to the City Council.
Kelly Torres, resident, 1) thanked the City Council and Public Safety Department for addressing noise disturbances in the vicinity of 9900 Potter Street, explaining that she attended the June 23, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting to express concerns with live bands and parties occurring in her neighborhood at all hours of the day and night; 2) expressed concern with the use of illegal marijuana in her neighborhood, explaining that she is unable to open her windows due to the smell; however, she understands it is a “society issue;” and 3) stated she spoke with Council Member Sanchez regarding her concerns and thanked him for connecting her to additional resources.
Billy Cervantes, resident, expressed concerns over noise and illicit discharge of hazardous material into storm drains in the vicinity of Felson Street and Regentview Avenue, explaining that 1) live bands and parties occur in h is neighborhood at all hours of the day and night, noting that they frequently occur on weekdays after 10:00 p.m. and he has purchased “triple-pane windows” to try to reduce the noise disturbances; 2) he has called the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to report the noise disturbances and illegal use of marijuana, but his concerns have not been addressed or resolved; 3) he has contacted the Public Safety Department regarding the matter, but has not received a response; and 4) he is frustrated with the lack of response and is concerned for the safety of the children in the community and requested additional patrols in the area and “forceful action” by the City.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10
August 11, 2025 Page 5 of 14
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
In response to comments provided by Billy Cervantes, Mayor Dunton suggested that he speak with Director of Public Safety McNerney to discuss his concerns.
Robin Snow, resident, provided details relative to Bellflower BMX’s 23 year anniversary, highlighting that 1) the racetrack is located at Hollywood Sports Park Paintball Complex and has been a vital part of the City since 2002; 2) they have produced riders who have won state, national, and world titles, including Olympic gold medals, further noting that the racetrack has been recognized by USA BMX as “one of the top 10 tracks in the Western Region”; 3) the racetrack hosts a variety of events including the Race for Life and the Bob Warnecke Scholarship Fund to support riders and families from across the region; 4) the racetrack operators, Tammy Estep and Jeff Wassenaar, are long-time Bellflower residents; and 5) the racetrack will host Olympic BMX riders for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.
Oscar Villagomez, Library Manager, Brakensiek Library, provided details relative to the “Diaper and Hygiene Kit” Program, a no-cost program that provides support to families in the community with essential items needed on a regular basis.
Jastine, resident, expressed public safety concerns stemming from increased homelessness in the vicinity of Clark Avenue and Palm Street, stating 1) homeless individuals have been congregating and sleeping at the vacant property located on Clark Avenue; 2) a fire was recently set to a trailer near her property; 3 ) the subject area is dark, expressing the opinion that additional lighting and patrol may alleviate some of the concerns; and 4) she is concerned for the safety of children in the area, noting that children frequently utilize the area to commute to school.
In response to comments provided by Jastine, 1) Mayor Dunton stated that the it is an area of concern for the City as well; and 2) Council Member Sanchez provided his contact information, suggested she speak with Director of Public Safety McNerney to discuss the matter, and confirmed that the area is currently patrolled by Southwest Patrol, but additional patroling is needed.
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to adopt Resolution No. 25-29 – A Resolution approving Entertainment Permit Case No. EP 25-01 to allow for live musical and dance performers, DJs, dancing, karaoke, and stand-up comedy at an existing restaurant within the General Commercial (“C-G”) zone on real property commonly known as 14074 Woodruff Avenue; Applicant: Agustin Fernandez-Saucedo.
CEQA: The City reviewed the environmental impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”). The activity contemplates issuing a permit for dance and entertainment within an existing structure and does not involve any physical changes to the environment. Accordingly, this activity is exempt from further review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
August 11, 2025 Page 6 of 14
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to adopt Resolution No. 25-29 – Continued
City Manager Smoot introduced the item and Mayor Dunton read the title into the record.
Senior Planner Atkins 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; 2) stated that a correction was needed to the type of alcohol license on page 2 of the Staff Report to read “Type 41 alcohol license”; 3) confirmed the City did not receive any written correspondence regarding the public hearing prior to the start of the meeting; and 4) responded to Council Members’ questions along with City Manager Smoot, City Attorney Berger, and Director of Planning and Building Services Oba.
In response to questions and comments provided by Council Member Koops and Council Member Morse, Senior Planner Atkins confirmed 1) the restaurant occupies approximately 2,912 square feet and is situated amongst other commercial businesses and there is sufficient parking for the proposed entertainment; and 2) there have been no calls for matters related to public safety in the past two years and no current citations or open code enforcement actions on the property.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, 1) Senior Planner Atkins a) stated that the dance area is approximately 150 square feet, noting that the tables and chairs shown on the floor plan are movable, if needed; b) clarified that the conditions do not require the proposed entertainment to be held only in the dance area and/or stage area, but it may be added as a condition with City Council direction; and c) confirmed that the Applicant has stated entertainment is not currently being conducted at the subject property; 2) relative to page 4 of the Staff Report, City Manager Smoot clarified that Condition No. 26 allows for the Director of Public Safety, or designee, to require additional security guards if complaints or concerns are received regarding the proposed entertainment; however, City staff would first speak with the property owner regarding the complaints and/or concerns before revoking the entertainment permit; and 3) Director Oba explained that Condition No. 6 requires that the project conform to the submitted plans on file with the City, noting that the floor plan provided does identify a dance area, stage area, and the number of tables and chairs, further explaining that if modifications are made and are not in conformance with the conditions of the entertainment permit, the Director of Planning and Building Services can require modifications to the entertainment permit.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez expressed concerns relative to 1) patrons exiting or entering through the back of the building as single-family residences are north of the subject property, further requesting that a condition be added to the entertainment permit that would prevent patrons from exiting or entering through that side of the building; and 2) utilizing the gated patio adjacent to the sidewalk along Woodruff Avenue as temporary storage for unused tables and chairs, expressing the opinion that it will be an eyesore.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
August 11, 2025 Page 7 of 14
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to adopt Resolution No. 25-29 – Continued
In response to Council Member Sanchez’s concerns, Senior Planner Atkins clarified that 1) Condition No. 9 requires the permittee legalize or remove the unpermitted fencing surrounding the patio area, which could include adding a privacy barrier to obstruct the visibility of the patio from Woodruff Avenue, further explaining that the subject property also has an enclosed area only accessible to employees directly behind the building that could be utilized for temporary storage if needed; and 2) Condition No. 18 requires that entertainment cannot be audible from the exterior of the premises and all doors and windows must be kept closed during the hours when live entertainment is offered, further stating that security personnel must be stationed at each entrance and exit during all days and times of the proposed entertainment.
For the record, Mayor Dunton 1) suggested adding a condition to the entertainment permit that would require an alarm to be installed at the back entrance of the building to prevent patrons from entering and exiting; and 2) inquired if there are conditions in the entertainment permit that would prevent the subject property from becoming a “nightclub” instead of a restaurant.
In response to questions and comments provided by Mayor Dunton , Director Oba 1) stated that a condition could be added to the entertainment permit that would require an alarm to be installed at back entrance to prevent patrons from entering and exiting; and 2) confirmed that the conditions prohibit certain events and/or activities from being conducted at the property to ensure that the type of entertainment stays within the provisions of the Bellflower Municipal Code.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Director Oba confirmed that if tables and chairs were removed to expand the dance area, the project would be considered non-conforming and would require modification of the conditions of approval.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
For the record, the following individuals spoke in favor of adopting Resolution No. 25-29, introduced themselves, and responded to Council Members’ questions:
• Agustin Fernandez-Saucedo, Applicant, Chef Hornero’s Peruvian Restaurant
• Juan Alarcon, Applicant’s Representative
• Eduar Fernandez-Trelles, Manager, Chef Hornero’s Peruvian Restaurant
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
August 11, 2025 Page 8 of 14
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to adopt Resolution No. 25-29 – Continued
For the record, Applicant Fernandez-Saucedo addressed the City Council in Spanish and was interpreted by Representative Alarcon and Manager Fernandez-Trelles.
In response to questions and comments provided by Council Member Sanchez and Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Applicant Fernandez-Saucedo 1) stated the he intends to have live musical performers to showcase cultural Latin American Dance, confirming that the current size of the dance area is sufficient and modifications are not proposed at this time; and 2) confirmed that the noise will not affect the residences surrounding the property.
At the request of Mayor Dunton, 1) Applicant Representative Alarcon a) stated that the Applicant has been operating at the subject property since 2009 , noting that he opened his first location on Bellflower Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue and operated at that location for two years; and b) reiterated that the current size of the dance area is sufficient for the proposed entertainment; and 2) Applicant Fernandez-Saucedo explained that their customers are typically older adults and families.
Following brief discussion, Representative Alarcon 1) stated that the patio was enclosed with steel fencing to ensure the safety of employees and customers, further explaining that when the patio was not enclosed, homeless individuals would frequently sleep in the space and cause public nuisances; 2) confirmed the Applicant will legalize the fencing to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Building Services; and 3) clarified that the door to the back entrance will not be open or utilized by patrons; however, the Applicant will install an alarm to ensure it is not utilized.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines expressed excitement for the proposed use, noting that he has visited the restaurant twice and was impressed with the food served and entertainment provided.
In response to questions and comments provided by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Applicant Fernandez-Saucedo stated entertainment is not currently being conducted at the subject property; however, there are occasions where karaoke is conducted by customers when celebrating an event.
Applicant Fernandez-Saucedo confirmed 1) at the request of Mayor Dunton, he does not intend to alter the alcohol license at this time but may consider it in the future; and 2) at the request of Council Member Sanchez, a minor expansion of the dance area could be needed in the future.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
August 11, 2025 Page 9 of 14
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to adopt Resolution No. 25-29 – Continued
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
For the record, 1) Council Member Morse reiterated that a condition should be added to the entertainment permit to require an alarm to be installed at back entrance to prevent patrons from entering and exiting ; and 2) Mayor Dunton suggested that the dance area expansion and fence improvement be modified to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Building Services instead of adding it as a condition.
Following brief discussion, City Attorney Berger clarified that Condition No. 27 requires the security plan to be approved by the Director of Public Safety and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, confirming that the installation of an alarm at the back entrance can be addressed in the security plan instead of adding it as a new condition.
It was moved by Council Member Morse, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt Resolution No. 25-29, as amended to remove or legalize the unpermitted fencing surrounding the patio area to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning and Building Services; and 2) allow for a minor expansion to the size of the dance area at the discretion of the Director of Planning and Building Services :
AYES: Council Members – Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops, and Mayor Dunton
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to provide direction regarding two City-owned parcels and whether they should be considered for future park development.
Mayor Dunton introduced the item.
For the record, Council Member Koops 1) announced that he would recuse himself from Item 13-A as he has property interests within 1,000 feet of the subject properties; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 8:27 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
August 11, 2025 Page 10 of 14
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to provide direction regarding two City-owned parcels – Continued
Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
At the request of Mayor Dunton, 1) Director Mellana clarified that the 9443 Artesia Boulevard Parcel would be a pedestrian-oriented pocket park and would not include parking due to size constraints; and 2) City Manager Smoot emphasized that the renderings provided in the PowerPoint presentation are high-level conceptual ideas only.
For the record, relative to the potential of future park development at 9443 Artesia Boulevard, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines expressed concern with creating a new pocket park at the property, expressing the opinion that homelessness in the area is an issue and creating a new space without staff supervision would allow for more homeless individuals to congregate in the area; 2) Council Member Sanchez suggested the City evaluate how to proactively manage current and future parks within the City to remedy the current concerns, expressing the opinion that if concerns are addressed at the design stage, it could be a viable location for a pocket park; 3) Mayor Dunton expressed frustration and concern with creating a new park at the location, reiterating that a new space would allow more homeless individuals to congregate and create public nuisances, highlighting that a resident expressed concerns just this evening during Public Comments regarding the pocket park located at Clark Avenue and Palm Street; and 4) Council Member Morse expressed concern with the location of the subject parcel, noting that the park would only be accessible to residents living in the surrounding area , as there would be no parking designated for the park.
Following brief discussion, Director Mellana recommended that certain design elements be evaluated at the design stage of a pocket park to alleviate public safety concerns, such as lighting, cameras and gates.
For the record, relative to the potential of future park development at the Riverview Park Adjacent Parcel, 1) Mayor Dunton expressed support for the development of a park at the property and suggested this parcel include a BMX track component, as the current one may be lost if the MTA acquires the Hollywood Sports Park parcel; 2) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines expressed support for the development of a park at the property with a modular building for staff to be able to monitor patrons entering and exiting the park; and 3) Council Member Sanchez expressed support for the development of a park at the property, as key entry points could be monitored by staff.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
August 11, 2025 Page 11 of 14
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to provide direction regarding two City-owned parcels – Continued
For the record and without objection, Council Member Sanchez requested a future item relative to 9443 Artesia Boulevard to discuss what should be done with the property, noting that the City has owned it since 2003.
Following brief discussion, 1) Director Mellana a) clarified that the two City-owned parcels must be considered separately for the purposes of grant funding, further explaining that the City’s grant writer eliminated 9443 Artesia Boulevard as a viable option for the grant being sought at this time and suggested looking into the Riverview Park Adjacent Parcel; b) stated the City currently has $200,000 in “TAP” grant funding for design; however, the grant being sought is to secure funding to cover 60% of the construction documents for the development of a new park, further confirming that the “TAP” funds must be expended by the end of 2026; and 2) City Manager Smoot explained that the City can work on developing ideas for development at both the 9443 Artesia Boulevard Parcel and Riverview Park Adjacent Parcel; however, it is recommended that the City Council direct staff to focus on one parcel for purposes of grant funding.
For the record, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move forward with planning for development of a park at the Riverview Park Adjacent Parcel (APN 6275-027-900) at this time.
For the record, Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 8:57 p.m.
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 805.2, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with De Novo Planning Group, for the preparation of an Arts District Overlay Zone and related General Plan Amendments.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Director of Planning and Building Services Oba 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
At the request of Council Member Morse, Director Oba confirmed that De Novo Planning Group (“De Novo”) would analyze both Area 1 and Area 2 to determine the best land uses for each, further noting that the findings would be brought to the City Council at a future date for consideration.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-B
August 11, 2025 Page 12 of 14
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 805.2 – Continued
For the record, Council Member Sanchez 1) stated he disagrees with the analysis regarding the walkability of Area 1 compared to Area 2 presented by Tripepi Smith & Associates, expressing the opinion that both areas are walkable; 2) requested that De Novo fully re-examine both Area 1 and Area 2; and 3) expressed the opinion that public safety concerns will be alleviated by revitalizing the subject areas.
For the record, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines expressed support for the proposed Arts District, expressing the opinion that an Arts District can assist with the revitalization and redevelopment of the properties on Clark Avenue; and 2) at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Director Oba confirmed that De Novo has prepared overlay zones and General Plan amendments for surrounding cities, further explaining that De Novo is currently developing a specific plan for the Hollywood Sports Park property on behalf of the City.
At the request of Council Member Koops, and without objection, City Manager Smoot confirmed that staff can coordinate a field trip for the City Council to visit an Arts District in a neighboring jurisdiction.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 805.2 with De Novo Planning Group for the preparation of an Arts District Overlay Zone, related General Plan Amendment, and environmental clearance:
AYES: Council Members – Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops, and Mayor Dunton
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar.
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 26-021, dated August 11, 2025.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 26-021.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file the Treasurer’s Report for the Month of June 2025.
Action: Received and filed Treasurer’s Report.
C Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the July 14, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the July 14, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
August 11, 2025 Page 13 of 14
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
D Consideration and possible action to receive and file Memorandum of Understanding File No. 25.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the County of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Development Authority for the Lead-Free Homes LA Program.
Action: Received and filed Memorandum of Understanding File No. 25.1.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Understanding File No. 21.12, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“LACMTA”) to receive payment of the City’s portion of transit fund allocations for collecting and reporting data for the National Transit Database for Report Year 2023. ________________________________ _____ Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Understanding File No. 21.12, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Addendum No. 4 to Transfer Agreement No. 2020RPLSGR02 (Agreement File No. 887), in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the Safe, Clean Water Program – Regional Program Funds.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Addendum No. 4 to Agreement File No. 887, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
G Consideration and possible action to award a contract to CJ Concrete Construction, Inc., for the Annual Concrete Improvements CIP No. 51605; and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with CJ Concrete Construction, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney.
CEQA: The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed activity pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”). The activity contemplates awarding a contract to repair and maintain existing improvements. Accordingly, no further environmental review is required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15301 (Existing Facilities).
Action: Awarded a contract to CJ Concrete Construction, Inc., for the Project and authorized the City Manager to execute said contract in a form approved by the City Attorney.
H Consideration and possible action to approve Mayor Dunton’s reappointment of Robert Wilson to the Bellflower Unified School District’s Citizens’ Task Force for the 2025-2026 School Year. __________ Action: Approved Mayor Dunton’s reappointment of Robert Wilson to the Bellflower Unified School District’s Citizens’ Task Force for the 2025-2026 School Year.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
August 11, 2025 Page 14 of 14
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Morse, Council Member Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Council Member Koops, and Mayor Dunton made various comments and reports.
For the record and without objection, Council Member Koops requested staff find ways to eliminate “abandoned signage” throughout the City by requiring property owners to conform to sign regulations or remove old signage.
At the request of Council Member Koops, Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana confirmed that staff is working to replace the vandalized Veterans’ Memorial centerpiece, in hopes of having it restored by Veteran’s Day.
For the record and without objection, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Michael Apusen.
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Dunton adjourned the meeting at 9:33 p.m., in memory of Michael Apusen, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025.
Ray Dunton, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: August 25, 2025